The first letter by the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition expressing
discontent appeared just over a week ago.

“LAPD has a long history of lies, brutality, and violence
against communities. We demand LAPD not to be allowed to add
drone technology to its expansive arsenal of weapons and
surveillance equipment,” the letter states.

The group also believes the drones will militarize the city’s
police considerably more than it is already.

“We believe the acquisition of drones signify a giant step
forward in the militarization of local law enforcement that is
normalizing continued surveillance and violations of human rights
of our communities,” coalition spokesman Hamid Kahn told
CBS.

LA mayor Eric Garcetti hasn’t answered the letter.

LAPD, in their turn, said the drones are stored for the moment,
with spokesman Bruce Borihahn stating, "We're not even in
possession of these things.”

He added that the drones won’t be deployed before a "lengthy
approval process" by the police commission, LAPD Chief
Charlie Beck and civil rights groups.

Back in June, Beck pledged that the drones will only be used in
manhunts and standoffs. Police also say that the drones can only
remain airborne for 20 minutes, CBS Los Angeles reported.

"The Los Angeles Police Department will never, ever give up
public confidence for a piece of police equipment," he said.

Also in June, the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern
California praised LAPD transparency concerning the devices, but
expressed worry over the potential breach of privacy, the
executive director of the body, Hector Villagra, stated.